Description

Most keyboards including ergonomic models have a 10-degree positive slope from front to back. These designs tend to bend your wrists. The Freestyle2 has a zero-degree slope which minimizes the height, effectively creating negative slope and reducing wrist extension. The slim design provides you a 2-in-1 office and travel keyboard.

Accommodates a wide range of individuals

From small to tall and body types in between, the Freestyle2 allows for maximum flexibility catering to each individuals unique needs. Out of the box both modules are connected together by a flexible pivot tether allowing an infinite range of splay. Disconnecting the pivot tether allows up to 9 inches of complete separation of both left and right keying modules. Perfect for individual needs ranging from a narrow footprint to complete separation. This design greatly reduces and or/eliminates ulnar deviation.

2-Port 2.0 USB hub

The 2-port 2.0 USB hub enables you to easily connect other input devices such as mice without having to access USB ports on your computer.

Driverless hot keys for commonly used mouse actions. (Internet Page Forward and Back, Undo, Web Home, Cut, Copy and Paste). A vertical rib is located on the inside row of hot keys to provide tactile notification to the user.

Familiar key layout

Familiar key layout provides for minimal adaptation time. International versions also available in French, German, Spanish, Swedish and UK layouts.

Low-force, tactile key switches

The Freestyle2 utilizes a quiet, low-force, tactile membrane key switch. The typical average maximum key force of a switch is 45 grams. This is at least 25% less than most traditional and many ergonomic keyboards such as the Microsoft 4000 with maximum key forces of over 60 grams.

Features

Your comfort . . .

The only keyboard that adjusts to each individual’s unique body type from petite to large frame.

No loss of performance was measured by subjects with Freestyle using quantitative data logging. Subjects reported higher productivity using the Freestyle (99% confidence level).

48% of subjects used some level of keyboard tenting with the snap-on, two-angle tenting (VIP) accessory.

Specifications

Freestyle2 for Mac - Kinesis KB830HMB-US Technical Specifications

Compatible operating systems

Mac OS X 10.4 or newer

2-port USB 2.0 hub compatible with low-powered peripherals only e.g. flash drives mice. High powered devices such as iPhones and iPads are not compatible.

Compatible with PC as a basic keyboard. Hot keys are not compatible.

Key switch

Peak force: 44 grams

Activation force: 35 grams

Travel distance: 3.9 mm

Switch type: Rubber dome, membrane

Dimensions

Width of standard version (9 inches of separation):

Min: 15.375 inches; Max: 23.50 inches

Distance between F J Keys: Min: 3.50 inches; Max: 11.50 inches

Width of 20 inch version:

Min: 15.375 inches; Max: 37.75 inches

Distance between F J Keys: Min: 3.50 inches; Max: 25.75 inches

Depth: 7.125 inches; palm supports installed: 10 inches

Max height: 0.875 inches

Weight: 2 lbs

Shipping weight: 3 lbs

USB cable length: 6 feet

Dimensions with Optional VIP3 accessory installed

Width of standard version (9 inches of separation):

Min: 15.375 inches; Max: 23.50 inches

Depth:10 inches

Max height at 15 degrees slope: 2.875 inches

Max height at 10 degrees slope: 2.125 inches

Max height at 5 degrees slope: 1.50 inches

Weight: 2.50 lbs

Shipping weight: 4 lbs

USB cable length: 6 feet

Dimensions with Optional V3 accessory installed

Width of standard version (9 inches of separation):

Min: 15.375 inches; Max: 23.50 inches

Depth: 7.125 inches

Max height at 15 degrees slope: 2.875 inches

Max height at 10 degrees slope: 2.125 inches

Max height at 5 degrees slope: 1.50 inches

Weight: 2.12 lbs

Shipping weight: 4 lbs

USB cable length: 6 feet

* Hot Keys for Linux, remote access, and terminal emulation: Hot keys on the PC Freestyle are designed for Windows and may not be supported by Linux Sun systems or by some browsers. Some hot keys will not work if you are using terminal emulation or remote access.

Videos

Kinesis Freestyle2 Features Video

Kinesis Freestyle2 Instructional Video

Kinesis Freestyle2 VIP3 Installation Video

Kinesis Freestyle2 V3 Installation Video

Comparison

Freestyle2 for Mac - Kinesis KB800HMB-US

Kinesis Mechanical Keyswitch Comparison

Tactile versus Linear Feel Switch

Cherry MX Low-force (Brown Stem) Tactile Switch

The standard Advantage contoured keyboard utilizes the Cherry MX low-force tactile switch (brown stem). It is a semi-custom low force tactile design created in 1992 to Kinesis’ specifications. “Tactility” is a slightly elevated force around the midpoint of the stroke of the key which lets you know the switch is about to be activated. A tactile response is preferred by many ergonomists, because it cues your fingers that activation is about to occur and is thought to reduce the likelihood or incidence or “bottoming out” the switch with a hard impact. The peak (tactile) force is ~55gm, following by an activation force of ~45 gm.

Cherry MX Low-force (Red Stem) Linear Feel Switch

The Advantage LF (Linear Feel) contoured keyboard utilizes the Cherry MX Red linear switch. It is virtually identical to the brown-stem switch except for the absence of a “tactile peak.” There is a consistent force throughout the full stroke of the key so there is no tactile feedback unless the switch bottoms out. Many gamers and heavy typists prefer the Cherry Red’s due to their “smoother” feel. Since there is no “peak” or tactile force, the total effort required to reach the activation force of 45 gm is slightly less than with the tactile (brown stem) switch. In tens of thousands of keystrokes per hour, those small differences can add up.

FAQs

Is the Freestyle only for people with wide shoulders?

No. The Freestyle is designed to accommodate a wide range of body types from petite to large framed individuals. When both modules are attached the foot print of the keyboard is only 15 3/8 inches wide but allows for unlimited splaying catering to smaller body types. For larger individuals the two keying modules can be unattached allowing up to 9 inches of complete separation. For users requiring more than 9 inches we offer a version with up to 20 inches of separation.

What options are available

The idea behind the Freestyle was to create a flexible, yet easy to configure modular family of products. The Freestyle keyboard offers everything you need except tenting. For tenting needs we offer three simple accessories that can be used with keyboard modules attached or separated for full flexibility.

Freestyle2 VIP3 – provides adjustable slope (5, 10 and 15 degrees). Includes clip-on padded palm supports that must be attached in order to use V-lifters. Can be used with keyboard modules attached or separated. Compatible only with the Freestyle2.

Freestyle V3 – offers adjustable slope setting of 5, 10 and 15 degrees without the use of integrated palm supports (note: use the VIP3 accessory if palm supports are desired with tenting). Compatible with original Freestyle and Freestyle2.

Each accessory enhances the core feature set of the Freestyle keyboard and attaches easily to its underside.

As an additional accessory, Palm Supports can be purchased and used when typing with the keyboard flat to promote neutral wrist posture. Replaceable palm pads included.

Where is the 10-key?

The 10-key is embedded into the right key well of the keyboard (just like you would find on a laptop). This reduces the overall length of the keyboard allowing for closer placement of any pointing device, thereby, reducing over-reach issues. A separate numeric keypad for PC is available for intensive number crunchers.

What was the idea behind the driverless hot keys?

The main objective behind creating these unique left-hand hot keys was to reduce mouse clicking and awkward key combinations for commonly used actions. Since its plug n’ play NO special drivers are required to utilize the hot keys. This makes IT departments very happy!

Because keyboarding is an intensely repetitive task, any reduction in key force can improve comfort and reduce the likelihood of injury. We were able to design a key switch for the Freestyle with a typical average key force of 45 grams, approximately 25% less than most other keyboards. The key switch is also very quiet and tactile.

Why aren’t there pop-up feet to raise the back of the keyboard?

Raising the back of the keyboard encourages wrist extension which can lead to injury. Moreover most traditional and many ergonomic keyboards have a 10 degree slope from front to back that also increases wrist extension. Several design features are incorporated into the Freestyle2 to reduce or completely eliminate wrist extension. These include:

The Freestyle2 has a zero degree slope which minimizes the height, effectively creating negative slope and reducing wrist extension.

We also recommend utilizing an adjustable keyboard platform such as the Kinesis Solution Platform System which properly positions the keyboard and other input devices at the correct height as well as offering adjustable negative tilt of the keyboard tray.

Was the Freestyle2 designed with any particular pointing device in mind?

We did not design the Freestyle2 with any specific pointing device in mind, though we did eliminate the number keypad in order to reduce over-reach issues for any mouse with right handed use. Some users find it convenient to place a touchpad or trackball between the two split keying modules, but most users prefer a conventional mouse used in the normal (but closer, more comfortable) location. Click on the following links to view the Freestyle2 with different peripheral configurations.

Freestyle2 with trackball

Freestyle2 with touchpad

Freestyle2 with RollerMouse Free2

Freestyle2 with Low-force Keypad

What is the warranty?

All Kinesis manufactured products come with a two-year limited warranty to the original purchaser.

What support do you offer during setup as well as follow-up?

Each Freestyle product includes detailed printed instructions as well as installation instructions labeled on each accessory. The user guides also can be found on the manual page of download tab.